Florida Mother Accused of Abandoning Kids at Hospital After Blaming Them for Dog’s Death

A Florida woman, Sandra Teague, was arrested on three counts of child neglect after allegedly abandoning her three teenagers at a hospital.

In a press release, the Flagler County Sheriff's Office stated that the Palm Coast woman dropped off her children at the hospital after blaming them for the death of one of her dogs.

According to authorities, on April 30, a 17-year-old, wearing socks, no shoes, walked into AdventHealth Palm Coast's emergency room and informed staff members that he and his 14-year-old and 13-year-old siblings were dropped off by their mother at the hospital because she was "upset." Hospital staff contacted deputies, who later contacted the other two children.

The children said that Teague "became extremely upset that morning and blamed them after one of their dogs had died," and also said Teague would often lock them out of her house, forcing them to sleep outside.

Although she had never abandoned them before, the teenagers claimed that this time was different, after one of the family’s foster dogs died, and Teague was "blaming it completely on them."

"The children stated this is the first time that Teague had ever dropped them off somewhere and that normally when she is upset, she would lock them outside of the house, forcing them to sleep outside. The children stated that she locks them outside of the house every other day," the Flagler County Sheriff's Office added.

According to Flagler Live, the children told deputies that their mother had previously blamed her daughters for causing another dog to starve, which had previously died.

The children also said that Teague told them, "…this is the last straw," before allegedly abandoning them, and then "drove them to the hospital before she yelled at them to get out of the car and drove off."

After finding the woman at her home, deputies discovered that she was the primary caretaker for the three children.

However, they became worried about the children's safety after seeing the condition of the home.

"From the initial investigation deputies became further concerned about the juveniles’ care and living conditions, which included the front door area of the residence reeking of garbage and animal feces throughout the residence on the floors and walls. Deputies notified the Florida Department of Children and Families and DCF responded to the scene," the statement added.

Investigators also found multiple animals at the residence, including 44 live dogs, three live pigs, one live cat, and one live snake, which were later removed with the assistance of Palm Coast Animal Control.

"There were also multiple deceased animals in kennels on the property," they continued.

Addressing the incident, Sheriff Rick Staly stated:

"Based on this investigation, she will never receive a mother of the year award. No child should ever have to live in these disgusting conditions or be treated like this."

He continued:

"Not only does she not treat or care for her children properly, but she should never own or be a foster provider for helpless animals ever again."

Meanwhile, social media users took over the comment section, criticising the woman and expressing relief for the children's safety.

"So glad those children were dropped off and are now safe! You really don't know what goes on, behind closed doors! I pray they'll be with a healthy and safe family, who will love them and help them to grow into strong individuals. So they can have and live a better brighter future ahead!" one user wrote.

"Oh I pray someone will adopt the kids & let them know a loving environment," another user remarked.

While a third user commented, "So sad for those children! I hope they have family or find someone who can keep them all together."

Teague was subsequently arrested on three counts of child neglect. She is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a bond.

"The case remains under active investigation and additional charges are likely," the news release added.